The Slam Dunk returns this week with the debut of the Metro Detroit boys basketball rankings and much more. This is your weekly update on what has happened, what is going on, and what to look forward to in the world of high school basketball in the Metro Detroit Area.

Check back and each Tuesday during the high school basketball season for a new edition of The Slam Dunk in Metro Detroit.

BOYS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Jonathan Williams, Sr., Southfield-Lathrup: Opened the season with a 36-point performance in a loss to Country Day. Lifted Lathrup to its first win this season with 33 points and a career-high 17 rebounds with a win over Windsor Forrester. He’s scored 102 points in his first three games this season.

GIRLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Sydni Davis, Sr., Southfield-Lathrup: Davis, a transfer from West Bloomfield, scored 18 points in each of Lathrup’s wins last week, shooting 70-percent from the floor in its win over Troy.

COACH OF THE WEEK

Dan Fife, Clarkston: With a young lineup that is missing some stars to begin the season, Fife has Clarkston out to a 3-0 start. Coming back from halftime deficits in its last two games against solid opponents in Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, a lot of new players are getting some valuable playing time while Clarkston waits for senior Jordan Dasqui to return in January.

ON THE RECORD

“This isn’t the win we wanted. We wanted a dominating win, but instead, we squeaked out a win that we didn’t deserve. This game was a wake-up call, telling us that we need to focus more and pick up on the little things.”

528: The amount of career wins for Clarkston boys coach Dan Fife. With his 527th win, Fife moved into the 16th spot all-time in state history

34: The amount of points that Lathrup’s Jonathan Williams is averaging after three games.

435: Clarkston boys went 435 seconds – or 7 minutes and 15 seconds – without scoring a point in its 58-49 win over Bloomfield Hills Lahser on Friday. Clarkston managed to shutout Lahser for the final 6:18 of the game.

THE POWER RANKINGS

BOYS

1. Detroit Pershing (2-0) – The Doughboys sit comfortably in the top spot after topping Romulus, 83-76, on Saturday.

2. Detroit Country Day (2-0) – Points, points and more points. Country Day is averaging 92 points through its first two games. With a trio of talented guards that can move up the floor quickly, teams will be forced to run with the Yellowjackets all season.

3. Romulus (1-1) – The pieces are in place for a Breslin Center run but it is going to need to come together in these December games to be able to play at the level it is capable of as the season progresses.

4. Detroit Consortium (1-0) – A lot of giants on this team led by 6-foot-8 Vincent Hunter. Consortium topped Detroit Douglass 55-32 as Hunter got a double-double to start the year (18 points, 12 rebounds).

5. Macomb L’Anse Creuse North (0-0) – With a roster full of experience, North will kick off its season this week with the goal of getting to the Breslin Center for the second-straight year.

6. Harper Woods Chandler (1-0) – This team has good size led by Michigan commit Derrick Walton Jr. Walton who had 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists and six steals for Chandler Park in its 61-56 opening win over Detroit Cass Tech.

7. Rochester (1-0) – The James Young show has begun at Rochester in fine fashion. The Kentucky-bound Young had 29 points and 10 rebounds in his debut and has given the Falcons a lot to be excited about this winter.

8. Detroit Community (2-0) – Bryon Zeigler, who is headed to down to play at South Florida next year, grabbed 11 rebounds to go with his 13 points in a 57-42 win over Detroit Renaissance.

10. Clarkston (3-0) – This team certainly doesn’t spend any time feeling sorry for itself. Despite playing shorthanded and having to battle back from two halftime deficits in its first three games, Clarkston stands at 3-0. A lot of young players stepping up as Clarkston is more dangerous than expected this early.

GIRLS (Boys will debut next week)

1. Detroit King (1-0): Easily handled Ecorse in its opener with a 65-19 victory. Marte Grays led King with 15 points while Antania Hays contributed 13 points.

2. Southfield-Lathrup (3-0): Lathrup is on fire to start the year, winning its first three games by an average of 39 points.

3. Westland John Glenn (2-0): John Glenn is off to a good start, highlighted by its 63-56 win over Dearborn Divine Child.

Scoring 100 points in its first game and 84 its second, Country Day's offense is on a roll. Pioneer should have its hands plenty full on defense as Country Day offers a trio of top-notch guards. Senior Austin Price, committed to Lehigh, leads the trio alongside juniors Mory Diane (pronounced Dee-ah-nee) and Edmond Sumner.

Our next Metro Detroit Game of the Week poll is for games Jan. 8-11. Vote now!